an interdisciplinary research symposium april 16-17, … · an interdisciplinary research symposium...
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An Interdisciplinary Research Symposium
April 16-17, 2015 King’s College
2015
Global Landscapes Conference 2015 Interdisciplinary Research Symposium Conference Theme The World in 3D: Democracy, Demography, and Demand
Global Landscapes Conference 2015, an interdisciplinary symposium will assemble
scholars, educators, students, and community members who are interested in examining
important issues facing humanity and who recognize the need for cooperation among
different constituents to find sustainable solutions amid a changing social, cultural, political,
economic, and financial environment.
As the countries deal with global challenges, people struggle for survival, governments
search for sustainable solutions and hope for growth and development. Three Ds:
Democracy, Demography and Demand determine a country’s ability to create peace,
stability, development and growth.
This interdisciplinary conference has proven that world citizens need to care about various
local and regional as well as global, topics. An interdisciplinary approach shows that there
are many ways to analyze and research a topic. For the past 7 years the GLC created a forum
for discussion triggered by participants in the forms of presentations, posters and panels.
These sessions have enriched ideas formed by the interactions with the experts.
The objective of the conference is to promote interdisciplinary discussion of the research
topics within a global landscape across academic curricula, business practice and policy
perspective.
The undergraduate research conference presentations are sponsored by the King’s College
Chapter of the International Business Honor Society, Epsilon Chi Omicron, and Alpha-Mu
Chapter of the International Honor Society in Economics, Omicron Delta Epsilon.
Bindu Vyas, Ph.D. Conference Chair
Associate Professor of International Business/Management, King’s College
King’s College Chapter of Epsilon Chi Omicron, International Business Honor Society
Lauren Dereinzi Peter Kmec
Laura Ortiz Terria Pettus
Kimberly Zurinski Jennifer Jean-Jacques
Danielle Avery Nirvana Chand
Drew Groblewski Davide M. Fanelli
Amanda E. Kotch Brianna M. Prince
Rachel A. Simon
Alpha-Mu Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, International Honor Society in Economics
Jessika Baranousky Richard Bartumioli
Ryan Boyle Madeline Griffin
Mark Henry Savannah Jablon
Jennifer Jean-Jacques Nicole Lawler
Sean Moran Pablo Nascimento
Laura Ortiz William Pokorny
2015 Conference Committee:
Conference Chair Track Chair Accounting and Finance
Bindu Vyas, Ph.D., King’s College Tara Shawver, D.B.A., King's College
Track Chairs Health Care Administration Track Chairs Economics and
Hengameh Hosseini, Ph.D., Penn State Sanjay Paul, Ph.D., Elizabethtown
University—Harrisburg College
Fevzi Akinci, Ph.D., King’s College Valerie K. Kepner, Ph.D., King's College
Track Chair Technology and Social Media Entrepreneurship and Management
Jayne Klenner, Ph.D., King's College Jennifer Edmonds, Ph.D., Wilkes University
Track Chair Literature
Noreen O'Connor, Ph.D., King’s College
Student Assistants
Kimberly Zurinski, King’s College
Terria Pettus, King’s College
Epsilon Chi Omicron
ABSTRACTS
Mobile Internet Access in Developing Countries
William Dietz ([email protected])
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Moorhouse
Lycoming College
Abstract:
Access to the internet is becoming more valuable every year, but for a significant number
of people in under-developed countries, gaining reliable access to the web has been virtually
impossible. Thanks to the spread of mobile internet through cellular data, this group will finally
be able to join in on global communications with exciting possibilities. Data from The World
Bank will be used to analyze the relationship between internet use and mobile cellular
subscriptions, particularly in less developed economies. My research helps explain the usage of
cellular data, rather than conventional connections, for internet access in countries where citizens
would otherwise not have a tethered connection on a personal computer. The study also controls
for a country’s education level, GDP and related indicators of wealth, access to and consumption
of electricity, and fixed broadband internet subscribers. Both current and future implications of
the findings will also be discussed.
Environmental Sustainability as a Global Initiative: How the Wilkes- Barre Downtown Small
Business Community can participate
Faculty Advisors: Marleen Troy, PhD and Ruth Hughes, JD, Faculty Advisors Students: Brendon Blachowski, Jonathon Daniels, Stephen Turner Wilkes University [email protected] ABSTRACT
This research, conducted in the Summer of 2014, surveyed small businesses in the Central
Business District of Wilkes-Barre on their familiarity with and attitudes towards environmental
sustainability, including obstacles and motivators for implementation as well as current
business practices. While publications on similar topics existed for small businesses in other
countries, there appeared to be little recent published research for small business communities
in the United States.
Research results from the local survey seem to support the notion that “peer pressure” will be
the most immediate motivator for businesses in the Wilkes-Barre Downtown area to
implement sustainable practices. The two primary obstacles cited by businesses, cost and the
feeling of being too small, could be overcome in several ways. First of all, a grant or other
financial incentive for implementation might spur businesses that would otherwise be reluctant
to do so. Second, tracking the progress of all businesses as a group towards an environmental
goal could demonstrate the impact of the collective business action.
Addressing the “peer pressure” factor, one thought would be to highlight some early business
champions of sustainability in the downtown and through some sort of public relations
campaign create enthusiasm for the concept with other businesses.
1) Devon Dietrich and Matthew DaVolio
2) Dr. Elizabeth Moorhouse
3) Lycoming College
5) 4843662045
6) Oral presentation
7) PowerPoint
8) Education and Unemployment: An econometric study of correlations between
educational attainment and unemployment by state
9) The most recent economic downturn in the United States generated the highest
unemployment rate since the early 1980s and produced the most rapid increase in
unemployment since the Great Depression. The national unemployment rate peaked at
10.0 % in October of 2009. However, there was significant variation by state. This study
seeks to better understand what factors contribute to higher state unemployment rates, as
well as what factors help reduce unemployment. Data from all 50 U.S. states was
collected to examine the correlation between educational attainment and unemployment.
This paper will focus on how the average education level of a region influences the
unemployment rate based on level of degree earned among high school graduates,
Bachelor Degree recipients, and Advanced Degree recipients. Using this data we will
analyze how an increase in level of education achieved can help decrease unemployment
rates. Our study will also control for the economical structure of each state and family
demographics, as well as other factors that are known to have an influence on state
unemployment. Legislators might consider using the results of this study to create
policies with the aim of reducing unemployment.
1. Name of Presenters (Student Research Team):
David Graff, Britton Heim, Nicole Santorelli, Jamie Seyler, Kate Thomas
2. Dr. Morgan Clevenger, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Jeffrey Alves, Dean & Professor of
Entrepreneurship; Lanie Jordan, Executive Director of the Family Business Alliance at Wilkes University,
& Dr. Ellen Newell, Assistant Professor of Psychology
3. Institution: Wilkes University, The Jay S. Sidhu School of Business & Leadership
4. email: [email protected]
5. Telephone: (570)-408-4491
6. Type of Presentation: Oral Presentation
7. PowerPoint needed
8. Preliminary findings from “Family Business in the 21st Century: A Grounded Theory, Ethnographic Case
Study in NEPA”
9. Abstract:
Wilkes University’s ENT 396 Research in Entrepreneurship: Family Business in the 21st Century students
present preliminary findings from a mixed-method study conducted in 8 counties in NEPA. This project
collaborated with Dr. Morgan Clevenger, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship; Dr. Jeffrey Alves,
Dean and Professor of Entrepreneurship; Dr. Ellen Newell, Assistant Professor of Psychology; and Lanie
Jordan, Executive Director of the Family Business Alliance (FBA).
This research combines online and hard surveys using the Dillman, Smyth, and Christian (2009) mixed-
mode method and face-to-face interviews. Family-owned business participants had to have 2 or more
full time employees and $10,000 or more in capital investment; the study excluded franchises and
national brands. A 15-question1:1 interview of FBA members, lapsed members, and prospects was
conducted in Fall 2014 in ENT 201 Nature & Essence of Entrepreneurship. Additionally, a survey was sent
to 5,000 randomly selected businesses.
Several areas of interest include: next generation development, transitioning to the next generation,
succession and estate planning to protect the family and the business, family governance, business
strategic planning, family meetings, family/business legacy, keeping balance between family business
and ownership, and successful family dynamics (e.g., communication, teamwork, leadership).
Names of presenters: Patrick Schmitt, Jesse Treur
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth A. Moorhouse
Institution name: Lycoming College
Email addresses: [email protected], [email protected]
Telephone: +1 570 447 9013
Type of presentation: Oral
Special requests: Powerpoint, internet access
Title of Research: Influence of the economic structure on the poverty rates across the world
Not every country across the world is evenly rich, or, better said, evenly poor. Poverty causes
countless problems: people starve to death, get into fights over rare resources, suffer under
insufficient medical health care or do not have the same possibilities as others. According to the
United Nations, “every 3.6 seconds another person dies of starvation and the large majority are
children under the age of 5” (2006, p. 1). These starvations are caused by poverty. What factors
influence the poverty rate of a country? This study explores the relationship between the
economic structure of a country and the poverty rate, while controlling for other relevant factors.
Analyzing the economic structure, we focus on the prevalence of agriculture, industry and the
service sector. Using regression analysis we will compare the influence of specific independent
variables. Our intention is to provide an analysis which improves the world’s understanding of
how the poverty rate can be reduced. Policymakers could use our research to better understand
the factors that contribute to poverty and create policies to fight poverty.
An Ethical Framework Supporting the Use of Advance Directives
During End of Life Care
Brandon W. Danz
8/1/2014
Dr. Hengameh Hosseini, PSU Harrisburg
Abstract: The U.S. health care industry will be on strong ethical footing if it acts to make greater
use of advance directives. An aging population will require significant health care resources in
the coming decades. It is incumbent upon health care providers to have a better understanding of
patient preferences and to adopt a mindset that is accepting of advance directives. Providers are
most beneficent and nonmaleficent and most respectful of patient autonomy when they act in
accordance with the wishes of a patient who has developed treatment preferences in a
contemplative, competent state – even if these preferences result in natural death sooner than
alternative treatment protocols. The U.S. can support the medical community by engaging policy
and regulatory levers that aim to address medical malpractice reform to encourage greater patient
autonomy, incentivize greater linkage between advance directives and electronic health records,
encourage greater education to medical students on the subjects of advance directives and
palliative care, and support efforts to increase cultural competence so that every American has
equal opportunity to direct their end of life care.
Name of the Presenter: Prahlad Murthy
Institution Name: Wilkes University
Email Address: [email protected]
Telephone: (570) 408-4617
Type of Presentation: Abstract
Special Requests: PowerPoint, Internet Access
Title of Research: Water Crisis and Global Security: Is Privatization a Solution?
Abstract
Availability of water is a major challenge to the security and well-being of the world population
this century. Sharing of waters between democratic and other countries and between states and
territories within sovereign nations while can provide opportunities for conservation and
environmental sustainability, has historically been source of conflicts and “water wars.” There
has been a direct relationship between the quality of life and the availability of clean water and
history indicates that societies with higher standards of living enjoy availability of good quality
water in good quantities. Unfortunately, more than half of the world’s nearly eight billion-
population, does not have access to clean water according to the United Nations. It is also
estimated that nearly 25 countries have less than 1000 m3 of clean water available per capita.
While many argue that water is not a commodity but is a basic necessity of life that should be a
common property, there are others who consider water to be a commodity and believe that
commercialization and privatization of water to be the most effective way to conserve the
limited. For over 50 years, many countries in Europe and Latin America and many states in the
United States have been home to privately owned water utilities. Even the World Bank and the
International Monetary Fund have played a role in funding water privatization projects in
developing countries such as Argentina, Benin and Bolivia, among others. Main goals of these
projects are to improve the overall health of the citizens and to reduce poverty. In the developed
world such as the United States, privatization of water systems has been mostly driven by
economic and political policies at local and state levels. In both developed and developing
countries though, there are good examples of success and failures with privatization of water
supply and sanitation systems in addressing their water crisis and security issues and will be the
focus of the presentation.
Paper Presentation for GLC
1. Name of the presenter: Jessica Hildebrand
2. Name of Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tara Shawver
3. Institution[s] Name: King’s College
4. Email address: [email protected] [email protected]
5. Telephone- 570-208-5900 x5455 570-814-1455
6. Type of presentation-oral
7. Special requests- PowerPoint
8. Title of Research- Impact of Personality Types on Ethical Decision-making
9. Abstract-not to exceed 200 words
The purpose of this study is to determine whether personality types impact ethical sensitivity, moral
judgment and ethical intentions. This study utilized a brief instrument known as the Ten Item
Personality Inventory (TIPI) to measure the Big Five personality traits of the participants. It also included
the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI)-13 and the selfism and empathy scales. This study will extend
the current literature to explore several situations that have been identified by the Association for
Certified Fraud Examiners as occurring often in the business world today: including bribery/kickbacks,
theft of cash, check tampering and conflicts of interest. It replicates a study by Brown and al (2003) that
found business students to have a higher rate of reported cheating than any other major in order to
verify if these results are applicable to King’s College students.
10. N/A – not a panel.
Name of the presenter[s]
1- Asst. Dr. Nasir Khalil Jalal- Ph.D. in Contract Law
2- Dr. Adnan Abdullah Rasheed - Ph.D. in Constitution Law
Institution[s] Name: Faculty of Law Ishik University
Erbil – Kurdistan - Iraq
Email address: [email protected]/ [email protected]
Telephone 009647504756134
Type of presentation-[ oral]
Special requests-[ PowerPoint]
Title of Research
The Iraqi Government’s Responsibility for Non-Implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi
Constitution
After Saddam Hussein's regime fell in 2003, the issues surrounding what is known as “the disputed
territories” became a major public concern. This issue became known as “the problem of Article 140” of
the permanent Iraqi constitution of 2005 and refers to the forced demographic alterations carried out by
the Ba’ath Party during its reign of power from 1968 to 2003. The oil-rich areas which were largely
inhabited by the Kurds, had been especially targeted by the Baath, who forceably displaced them and
settled residents from other nationalities and regions in these areas.
Article 140 grants authority to the State Executive to take necessary steps to fulfill all requirements to
solve the problem of demographic changes in Kirkuk and other disputes territories that existed before
December 31, 2007. This legally established time limit has long since elapsed without the requirements of
Article 140 being fulfilled. Moreover, the federal government extended this time period, though there was
no constitutional provision provided for the extension.
In this paper we focus on the disputed territories of Kirkuk and areas such as Shingal in the search for
legal solutions to current constitutional questions surrounding their statuses. We seek to answer the
questions as to who has legal responsibility under the Iraqi Constitution for the breach of Article 140, as
well as consider the question pertaining to both Executive and Legislative responsibilities under the
Constitution, and the penalty for the breach of the provisions of the Constitution. Lastly, we discuss the
consequences of demographic changes as they pertain to democratization processes in this county.
An Overview of Refugee Healthcare and Health Promotion Program in Iraq
Kustepe Refugee Camp
Onur Nacakgedigi, D.D.S., Esma Nacakgedigi, L.L.M. Hakan Colak, Ph.D., Yusuf
Poyraz, D.D.S.
Dentistry Faculty, Ishik University, 100 Meter Street & Mosul Road, Erbil, KRG, Iraq.
Contact Phone: +9647503671653.
An Oral Presentation
Abstract: Throughout the world and over the centuries, there is one fact that affects anyone for
better or for worse, which is the term war, it has been viewed that refugees are the indispensable
conclusion of the act. According to UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) Iraq is
among the 10 countries worldwide with major numbers of displaced people, whose total exceeds
to 50 million for the first time since World War II. Under The 1985 UN Declaration, states that
the Human Rights of Individuals Who are not Nationals of the Country in which They Live
should be granted the right to “health care”. Although Kurdistan Regional Government has been
sharing their resources with refugees generously, we as Ishık University could not stand idly by
while humanity suffers from lack of health care. With the aim of simplifying refugees access to
health care Ishık University, created the project with the name of “Health Promotion Program for
Refugees ”. This report provides an overview of refugee’s rights to access to health care under
the international conventions and action plan of Ishık University by educating refugees on basic
hygiene, applying simple restorative treatments and sharing statistical analysis with
organizations who are able to do more.
Special requests: PowerPoint, video
Iraqi Dental Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards HIV/AIDS Patients
Onur Nacakgedigi, D.D.S., Hakan Colak, Ph.D., Yusuf Poyraz , D.D.S.
Dentistry Faculty, Ishik University, 100 Meter Street & Mosul Road, Erbil, KRG, Iraq.
Contact Phone: +9647503671653.
A Poster Presentation
Abstract: In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that all dentists have to treat HIV-
positive patients. Therefore, it is important that all dentists should have sufficient knowledge of
HIV/AIDS patients, and their attitude should meet professional expectations. The purpose of this cross-
sectional survey was to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS among
dental students in Ishik University Dentistry Faculty, Erbil. The overall response rate to the questionnaire
was 52 percent. The total mean knowledge and attitudes scores were 56.22 percent (good) and 58.21
percent (passive attitudes), respectively. The mean knowledge score was statistically higher in the
clinical group than in the preclinical group (p=0.02). There were no significant differences in the
knowledge or attitude scores between male and female students (p=0.549). A majority of the students
were aware of the association between HIV and oral candidiasis (68.3 percent), Severe periodontitis
(62.99 percent), and Gingivitis (61.24 percent). One of the most important finding is very few students
had excellent knowledge (6.83 percent). And other finding is that only 1 percent had professional
attitudes about treating patients with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, It is important that dental students, as
future dentists, develop not only the necessary practical skills but also knowledge and attitudes that will
prepare them to treat patients with HIV/AIDS.
Presenters: Dr. John Dilyard and selected St. Francis College Honors Students
Institution: St. Francis College
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: (718) 489-5347
Type of Presentation: Panel
Special Requests: PowerPoint and video replay capability
Title of Research: ‘What Makes a Firm Sustainable: A Critical Review”
Abstract:
The term ‘sustainability’ in the context of firm has no standard, universally followed definition. As a
result, measuring whether or not is ‘sustainable’ is difficult. Should it be focused on traditional metrics
such as profits, market share, revenues, return on assets, return on equity, or stock price? Should it also
include the effect the firm, through all its activities, has on the physical environment and the resources it
uses to produce the goods and services it sells, and/or the societal environment in which it operates? Or
should it be a combination of measures that address the financial, operational, and societal aspects of a
firm’s activities? Despite the inherent difficulties in measuring firm sustainability, a group known as
Corporate Knights has devised a methodology to measure the sustainability of large firms and has
developed a ranking of the world’s ‘most sustainable companies’. This panel will critically examine this
list and the methodology used to create it, and propose an alternative way to measure and rank firm
sustainability.
Proposal Description:
Despite the absence of a universally agreed upon and recognized definition of sustainability that can be
applied to firms, Corporate Knights, a media, research and financial information products company based
in Toronto, Canada, produces, through its subsidiary CK Capital, has created a ranking list, “The Global
100 Most Sustainable Corporations’. Corporate Knights also is a proponent of something it calls ‘clean
capitalism’, which essentially is a system in which the social, economic and ecological costs are factored
into a company’s prices and that, through proper reporting, both the company and the market are aware of
these costs. Its ranking list is one way to bring attention to company’s that, at least through one set of
metrics, can be considered sustainable.
The methodology Corporate Knights uses in its rankings recognizes the difficulty of interpreting the
actions of complex institutions (firms) on a complex and difficult to precisely define task such as
sustainability, and in response has devised clearly defined and quantitative measures that are objective
and can be replicated. The size cutoff for possible inclusion into the Corporate Knight ranking list is $2
billion in market capitalization as of October 1st of the ranking year.1 Once a firm meets or exceeds the
market capitalization threshold it is subjected to four additional criteria.
The first cut is disclosure; companies must disclose at least 75% of their respective global industry
classification (GICS) industry group’s ‘priority indicators’. These priority indicators are any of 12 key
performance indicators that are disclosed by at least 10% of all large (greater than $2 billion in market
capitalization) in that GICS group. Firms thus are measured against indicators the industry itself deems
as important. For transparency, the priority indicators for all GICS groups in the ranking list are available
for review, and for vitality, these indicators are subject to change over time as industry priorities change.
The second criterion used is a set of 9 financial/operating tests that measure such things as profitability,
operating cash flow, asset usage, liquidity and leverage. The tests are fairly straightforward, and a
company either passes or fails the test; to continue on in the screening process, a company has to pass at
least 5 of them. The third criterion is devoted to product category and has a moral connotation in that
companies that belong to ‘bad’ GICS sub-industry classifications such as ‘tobacco’ or ‘aerospace and
defense’ (as long as a majority of revenues are derived from defense-related business) are eliminated.
The fourth criterion looks to see if a company has paid (in the previous year) any sustainability-related
fines, penalties or settlements (sanctions). Recognizing that virtually all companies might have had to
pay some sort of sanction, the size of the sanctions as a percent of total revenues is calculated, and only
those companies whose percentages make them among the worst in their peer group are removed from
consideration. Once a company has passed all four criteria, it makes the ‘shortlist’, and then from that list
the top 100 are chosen. This process is repeated annually.
1 The description of the methodology used to determine the ‘global 100 most sustainable companies’ is
taken from Corporate Knights’ published sources.
The 2014 list consists of companies from Europe, Asia (including Australia), North America and South
America, but is dominated by European firms. The vast majority of the firms are from high income
countries, with just a few coming from developing or emerging economies; no Chinese company is on the
list. Sectors include consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, health care, industrials,
information technology, materials, telecommunication services, and utilities. The largest single sector is
financials, with 22 companies on the list. Of the top 10 Fortune Global 500 companies of 2014, only one,
Royal Dutch Shell, was on the list. Also, two companies that have a reputation for placing a large
emphasis on sustainability – Unilever and Danone – are near the bottom of this list, and another, Fuji
Heavy Industries, which is the parent of Subaru, another highly regarded sustainable company, is not even
on the list.
Clearly, even with its careful and thoughtful construction, the Corporate Knights ranking list of
sustainable companies raises some interesting questions, such as the relationship between ranking and
contribution to a sustainable future or the relationship between a company’s reputation vis-à-vis
sustainability and its position on the list. For example, if a financial company ranks higher than, say, a
manufacturing or energy company, is its contribution to a sustainable future better? What does it really
mean when, on the 2014 list, Unilver is ranked 93rd and Danone 97th, and Westpac, an Australian
financial services company, is ranked 1st? And, if a company moves significantly up or down on the
ranking list from year to year, what does this say about its efforts to be sustainable?
To get behind these questions and to better understand and interpret what it really means to be listed as a
‘top 100 global sustainable company’, each of the 14 students in my Viable Sustainable Businesses
Honors Seminar have chosen three companies from the 2014 Corporate Knights ranking list –
representing all regions and sectors – to examine in greater detail. Starting with a company’s annual
report and/or any supplemental publications on their sustainability actions and initiatives, the students
will compare and contrast the sustainability profiles of companies across industry sectors and geographic
regions. In the process, the class will address the relative importance, in terms of the wider objectives of
other sustainability initiatives such as the United Nation’s sustainable development goals, of industry-
specific sustainability-oriented actions. The ultimate outcome is intended to be an exploration of the
concept that ‘all sustainability actions are good, but some sustainability actions are better than others’. It
is possible, too, that an alternative ranking mechanism can be suggested and/or devised.
The panel will be a discussion of the results of this semester-long activity involving at least four of the
students
If Development Demands Democracy, and Democracy Demands Education, What Do
Educators in Uganda Demand?
Reflections on a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad in Uganda
In the summer of 2014, a group of post-secondary educators, K-12 administrators, and
pre-service teachers had the opportunity to explore the various models of education that
developed in Uganda in response to the Universal Primary Education policy established in 1997.
Panelists who were part of that group will reflect on their experiences in Uganda observing and
meeting with teachers, administrators, and students from private and public schools. Specifically,
panelists will highlight critical issues in the field of education that impact Uganda, the USA and
more generally the global community. Such issues include the similar and different challenges
facing educators in Uganda and the US, the relationship between education and development in
Uganda, the desire for education and the motivation to learn demonstrated by Ugandan students
and their families, and the connection between education and democracy. Special note will be
made of the Ugandan Women Writers Association, FEMWRITE, as a space for women to
explore and express their critical place in Uganda's economy, education, and democracy.
Panel Presenters:
Megan Borsuk [email protected] (570) 208-5986
Margarita Rose [email protected] (570) 208-5900 x5778
Brother Stephen LaMendola [email protected] (570) 208-5900 x8093
Noreen O’Connor [email protected] (570) 208-5900 x5422
Tech Needs:
Access to internet, PowerPoint, and projector
Global Landscapes Conference 2015 Proposal
Name: J.C. Blewitt, Ph.D. (With Student Contributions from CORE193A and B)
Institution: King’s College
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 570.208.5900 ext. 5712
Presentation Type: Extended Poster Session Presentation
Special Requests: Internet Access and a 42” or larger TV display
Title of Research: “Doing Business in 33 Nations”
Abstract:
My two sections of CORE193 (Globalization) will be doing reports on the question of “how to
do business” in a particular nation. Topics covered include economics, topography, etiquette,
customs, traditions, religion, politics, currency, leadership, major multinational corporations, and
many other relevant topics to answer the overarching question. Each student will prepare a 2-3
minute YouTube clip on their country which will summarize the findings of their formal paper
and presentation due for the class. I will create a YouTube channel of the 50 video submissions
that I receive, and I will broadcast the YouTube channel onto the TV to create an interactive
poster display session during the GLC conference. I have informed the students of our intention
to participate in the conference, and they are all excited about seeing their work on display. It
should be entertaining, informative, and an impressive exhibition of our students’ creative and
technological skills addressing a critical question in international business.
Submission for Global Landscapes Conference 2015
1. Name: Hoang Huy Nguyen
2. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth A. Moorhouse
3. Institution: Lycoming College
4. Email: [email protected]
5. Phone number: 570-666-7513
6. Type of presentation: Oral Presentation
7. Special request: PowerPoint
8. Title of Research: Determinants of Housing Prices in Selected Developed and
Developing Countries
9. Abstract:
Determinants of Housing Prices in Selected Developed and Developing Countries
This paper will compare the housing prices of various developed countries (the U.S, the U.K,
Monaco, etc.) and developing countries (China, Vietnam, Burma, etc.). Particularly, this paper
will look at the ratio of average housing prices to average income per capita among different
countries. Both measureable variables (population, GDP, interest rate, etc.) and non-measurable
variables (government policies, investor and consumer behaviors, etc.) will be considered.
Ceteris paribus multiple regression analysis will be run among quantitative variables to examine
what factors are the key determinants of the high and low housing prices in different countries. It
is predicted that the more market-based the economy is, the more housing prices can be
explained by quantitative variables (population density, income per capita, etc.). On the other
hand, for less transparent economies, housing prices are likely influenced by non-measurable
variables (lack of public information on land issues, poor state regulation, etc.), explaining why
the housing price-to-income ratios are sometimes higher in low-income countries with less
transparency than in high-income countries.
10. N/A
Texting While Driving: The Effects of Impulsiveness and Safety Campaigns on College
Students’ Propensity to Text While Driving
Dr. Garold Lantz Dr. Sandra Loeb
Texting while driving is known to increase the danger of driving. Many people know this but
continue to text while driving anyway. A study was conducted to determine whether a
personality trait of ‘impulsiveness’ had an impact on the likelihood of people to text while
driving. Results indicate that, although females text much more than males in general, males
tend to overestimate their ability to drive while texting and males who measured higher on
impulsiveness tended to text more while driving. Conversely, it appears that females were
better at restraining their impulsiveness while driving and texted less.
A similar study was conducted three years ago. This study compares the results of these two
studies to determine the degree of success of public safety campaigns to reduce the occurrence
of texting while driving.
Educational Attainment: A Pathway to Better Veterans’ Health Outcomes
Wendy Kramer
Student
Graduate Program in Healthcare Administration
King’s College
Dr. Michele McGowan
Faculty Advisor
Graduate Program in Healthcare Administration
King’ College
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Educational Attainment: A Pathway to Better Veterans’ Health Outcomes
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is discuss the use of the educational benefit of the Post 9-11/GI
Bill by veterans as a means to access health care in an unlikely setting… post-secondary
institutions. Despite empirical evidence that provides support for the relationship between
educational attainment and an increase in health outcomes, the four-year graduation rate of
veterans who began post-secondary education from 2003 through 2013 under the Post 9-11/GI
Bill was only 51.7%. Their younger non-veteran peers had a completion rate of 59% (National
Center for Education Statistics). The paper begins by providing a review of the extant literature
and further proposes utilization of the Behavioral Model of Health Services to identify the
characteristics necessary to encourage veterans to take advantage of the Post 9-11/GI Bill
educational benefit to increase their postsecondary education completion rates and to ultimate
improve their overall health. This is important area to examine because most of the literature
focuses on the services required to attract, retain, employ, and academically and socially support
veterans as transitioning civilians but does not identify the ability to take advantage of using
post-secondary education as a mean of improving health and potentially aid in alleviating the
funding struggles of the Veterans Affairs effective utilization (Bilmes, 2007).
Jessica Haduck and Alisa Marino via Dr. Fevzi Akinci
King’s College
Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
Haduck: (610)-428-0269 – Marino (203)-232-0598
Type of Presentation: Oral
Special Requests: PowerPoint
Title: Kenyan Health Care: Past, Present, and Future Policies
Identified as the Republic of Kenya, Kenya is a country located in East Africa and is
famed for its picturesque landscapes and numerous wildlife preserves. Every year, roughly 20
million Kenyan men, women, and children die from preventable diseases such as diarrhea,
measles, malaria, and malnutrition. This paper takes a closer look at Kenya’s past, present, and
future healthcare policy implementations for universal healthcare coverage and the successes and
failures that the Kenyan government has faced to eradicating preventable diseases and proving
proper healthcare.
Since its independence from Great Britain in 1963, Kenyan healthcare has drastically
improved in areas of housing, education, sanitation, nutrition, and health care programs, but has
not limited itself to social, economic, and political changes. Through a series of new, conjoined
health care policies and programs, Kenya has significantly reduced their mortality rates
compared to their preindependence rates and has also utilized new and innovative drug therapies
to the treat the HIV/AIDS and malaria pandemic. As a result of this, the Government of Kenya
(GoK) has decided to address the staggering issues of health inequalities, poor health care
performance, and inadequate policy documents in hopes to restore their deprived health care
sector and system for the better of their population.
Being a predominantly tax-funded health system, the government of Kenya had an idea
of attempting to implement policy changes to have a financing system for their country’s
healthcare system. The first attempts at this idea began in 1989 and are still being modified
today. The National Hospital Insurance Fund was created to help assist in supporting costs for
healthcare, but was limited to sector workers and was not supported by an adequate benefits
package. In 2004, the National Social Health Insurance Fund was created and its goal was to
guarantee Kenyans an opportunity for inpatient and outpatient services being paid for and to
lighten the overall cost of health care. Although Kenya was considered to be healthy, the World
Health Organization reported that only 4.6 percent of Kenya’s GDP was invested in its health
care system and because of this lack of health care investment, Kenya faces serious future
implications in the further development of their country’s health care system. Additionally, poor
sanitation, unsanitary water and living conditions in urban and rural areas, and a lack of cost
effective medications further contribute to the spread of bacteria, infections, and disease.
Due to the depletion in the following foundational aspects: financial stability as a
country, lack of medical services, technology, and health information, Kenya is unable to deem
and form a winning healthcare system. It is essential to the improvement that the health systems
acknowledge the access barriers and make it known that all Kenyans can and should benefit from
the health care when they need it. Healthcare is influenced greatly by the distance to receive
care, availability of drugs, acceptability of clinical staff, the knowledge of health, and the quality
of care. Having proper access to health care facilities will impact the disease outcome and by
understanding these factors, this will help healthcare and government officials alike to strengthen
the healthcare systems as well as receive the health benefits that free high quality care can bring
in developing countries like Kenya.
Keywords: Kenyan healthcare, Kenya healthcare policies, Kenyan access/cost
References
Burgert, Clara R, et al. "Impact Of Implementation Of Free High-Quality Health Care On Health
Facility Attendance By Sick Children In Rural Western Kenya." Tropical Medicine &
International Health: TM & IH 16.6 (2011): 711-720. MEDLINE with Full Text. Web. 9
Jan. 2015.
Carrin, G., Muchiti, S., Xu, K., & James, C. (2006). An impirical model of access to
health care, health care expenditure, and impoverish in Kenya: learning from past
reforms and lessons for the future. World Health Organization Geneva, 3-25.
ChildFund International. (2015). Struggles Facing the Kenyan Health Care System.
https://www.childfund.org/Struggles-Facing-the-Kenyan-Health-Care-System/
Kenya. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315078/Kenya/37546/Healt h-and-welfare Muga, R., Kizito, P., Mbayah, M., & Gakuruh, T. (2005). Overview of the health system In
Kenya. Demographic and Health Surveys. http://www. measuredhs. com/pubs/pdf/SPA8/02Chapter2. pdf (accessed June 16, 2011).
Opwora, Antony S, et al. "Who Is To Blame? Perspectives Of Caregivers On Barriers To
Accessing
“‘Hair and Makeup Kerfuffles’:
A Textual Analysis of the Media Portrayals of Female Politicians in the 2008 Elections”
Tori DeGiosio
King’s College
Abstract
Prior research on women politicians in the spotlight of the media has shown that there are four main
stereotypes used to frame the coverage of these women. Kanter proposes that these four stereotypes are
sex object, iron maiden, pet and mother. This study examines a purposive sample of articles written
during the 2008 Presidential Election to analyze how the media uses stereotypical language against Sarah
Palin and Hillary Clinton and to see if they are in accord with Kanter’s four stereotypes. The analysis
indicates that sexist language is used against the two candidates, but certain stereotypes are used more
often than others.
Keywords: gender, media, news, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, women, sexism, politics, 2008
Presidential Election, stereotypes, women political candidates
Authors: Laura Barna, Lauralei Carden, and Veronica Giamusso
Advisor: Dr. Fevzi Akinci
School: King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Contact Information: [email protected], [email protected],
Telephone: 570-417-5407 (Laura)
Type: Oral presentation with request for PowerPoint
Title: The Efficiency of Norway's Healthcare System: A Critical Analysis
Abstract
Norway’s health care system is often ranked among the best through such measures as infant
mortality, which is among the lowest in the world at 3 deaths per 1,000 live births. However,
Norway faces many challenges in order to keep pace with global health care trends. An in depth
analysis of Norway’s health care system in terms of access, cost, and quality revealed the root of
potential areas of improvement. Access concerns have been exacerbated by long wait times and
failure to properly address difficulties for rural populations to obtain appropriate levels of care.
Norway’s economic independence as a country is exemplified by its status as a non-member of
the European Union (EU). However, health care constitutes nearly 10 percent of its gross
domestic product, which is above the average for other nationalized health care countries.
Furthermore, quality concerns were addressed in the early 2000s with reforms such as the
Regular General Practitioners scheme. After these reforms quality indicators showed marked
improvement in patient satisfaction and quality of care. The purpose of this analysis was to
address these concerns and devise potential methods of finding practical and economical ways of
improving the overall health of the Norwegian population.
Key Words: Norway, health care, access, cost, quality
GLC 2015 PROPOSAL
Name of the presenter[s]: Students of Core 190 (Globalization and Human Rights) and
Soc/Enst 314 (Environmental Sociology); list of presenters and poster titles forthcoming
In case of student presenter Name of Faculty Advisor: Bridget Costello
Institution[s] Name: King’s College
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: ext. 5745
Type of presentation-[i.e. poster-viewing only, oral, exhibit, performance, panel]:
undergraduate poster session – approximately 12 posters
Special requests-[i.e. technology including Internet access, PowerPoint, video, etc&]: none
Title of Research: Environmental Justice and Human Rights: Local and Global Perspectives
Abstract-not to exceed 200 word: In this undergraduate poster session, students present their
research on topics pertaining to the local and global dimensions of environmental and social
justice. Focusing on specific manifestations of disparate ecological and/or social hazard, each
poster addresses the intersection of cultural meanings and social inequalities as they play out
across the physical landscape.
Aquaria and Zoos: Models for Sustainability?
Kathleen A. Nolan, Ph.D. St. Francis College, 180 Remsen St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
In these times of unemployment and economic instability, can aquaria and zoos contribute to the
economy in a sustainable way? Besides entertainment, these establishments seek to educate the
public, conduct scientific research programs, and even increase endangered populations of animals
through captive breeding. This talk will explore the economics of entertainment, education, research,
and captive breeding programs of several aquaria and zoos personally visited by the author.
Shared Leadership Dimensions of Manager Family Physicians at Primary Health Care
Centers
Aysegül Yıldırım Kaptanoglu, MD., Ph.D, Fevzi Akinci, Ph.D.
Abstract for an Oral Presentation
The purpose of this study was to decribe the shared leadership of family physicians who works
as a primary care center managers in Turkey. The Shared Leadership Perception and the
Leadership Behavior Questionnaire (SLPBQ) with three dimensions “shared purpose”, “social
support”, “voice” was used.
The study population was comprised of manager family physicians at primary health care centers
in two districts of Istanbul, Turkey. One of them is a central business district (Beşiktaş) and the
other is a residential area (Beylikdüzü). A total of 279 manager physicians participated in the
study between May and June 2013, representing 45% of the total manager physicians in both
districts. SPSS 13.0 program was used in the analysis of the data with pearson correlation and
basic linear regression techniques. Independent samples t-test and ANOVA were employed
among SLPBQ dimension points according to age, gender and seniority.
Statistically significant differences were found among business and residential primary care
center managers compare to their SLPBQ dimension (r=0.72; p<0.05 ; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.81). The
total point of SLPBQ are as follows according to age (r=0.49; p<0.005; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.61),
gender (t=2.36; p<0.05) and seniority (F=12.15, p<0.001). According to the results of linear
regression, sub-dimensions of shared leadership perception scale predicted 61% of leadership
behavior.
In conclusion, the primary health care managers are observed as fair and unfair according to their
shared leadership perception and behaviors at primary health care centers.
Keywords: Primary Care, Manager Famnily Physician, Shared Leadership Behaviors, Shared
Leadership Perception, Leadership Behavior
Contact Info:
Aysegül Yıldırım Kaptanoglu, MD., Ph.D, Trakya University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Head
of the Health Management Section, Edirne, Turkey, Telephone number: +90 536 510 39 62,
Email: [email protected]
Fevzi Akinci, Ph.D., King’s College, McGowan School of Business, 133 North River Street,
Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18711 USA. Telephone number: (570) 208-5900 Ext. 5786, E-mail:
Semra Çifçi MSc, Family Practice Center, Besiktas Merkez, Sanal ASM. Telephone number:
+90 536 512 44 42,[email protected]
Comparison of Long Term Care Insurance of Turkey and Other OECD Countries
Research Assistant İdil Yıldırım, Trakya University, Administrative and Business Faculty, Labour
Economics and Industrial Relations Department
Ageing will be a crucial problem of the future. Today’s demografic situation shows that in the
next future, baby boomer generation will need social and health care facilities. From the last decade of
the 20th century, many developed countries started to search solutions to recover long term care
expenses of aging population. Nowadays, many OECD countries are going to set up fiscal schemes. One
of the practice on covering personal and nursing-care costs is tax-funded system. The second is to
emphasis on social insurance schemes. The last one is having means-tested schemes for costs. In
addition to these policies, there is also private long term care insurances.
In Turkey from the beginning of the 21st century, parallel to the aging policies of the many
developed countries and dramatic increase of the old age population, academic and political discussion
started to negotiate. Social security policies to prevent high expenses of long term care in GDP are
suggested by many scholars. In current situation there is not an insurance scheme for long term care of
elderly population. So, many elders (90.000) are cared by the female members of their family or many
times by illegal caregivers. In addition, there are formal public (134) and private (169) nursing homes
that operate under Ministry of Family and Social Policies. Only few number of people (12,667) can
receive care services free of charge by municipalities or by public care homes. Goverment supports
home care services by giving job to the unemployed female population of the country
In this study herein it is examined in details Turkey’s future projections on long term care
insurance by making comparison with the OECD countries’ long term care plans. This article unpacks the
financement solutions from the perspective of social security of the long term care at home or in formal
institutions.
Keywords: Aging, long term care insurance, social insurance premiums, private insurance,
community based care, home based care, institutional services
1. Name of the presenter[s]
a. Suril Amin
2. In case of student presenter Name of Faculty Advisor
a. Dr. Hosseini
3. Institution[s] Name
a. Pennsylvania State University
4. Email address
5. Telephone
a. 717.623.8601
6. Type of presentation-[i.e. poster-viewing only, oral, exhibit, performance, panel]
7. Special requests-[i.e. technology including Internet access, PowerPoint, video, etc…]
8. Title of Research
a. Canada vs. U.S. Health Care: A comparative Analysis
9. Abstract-not to exceed 200 wor
a. Geographically Canada and the United States are neighbors that sit right above
and below each other, respectively. Both are socially, politically, and
economically developed countries. In recent years, the two countries have
become closer allies and trading partners. However, in terms of health care the
two countries could not be more different. A literature review shows Canada’s
health care system consistently ranks higher than the United States in many areas.
Canada ranks 30th in health care among 191 countries while the United States of
America ranks 37th. This is further evidenced from data from organizations such
as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the
World Health Organization (WHO) rank Canada higher on key areas in health
care such as quality, cost, access, infant mortality rate, and life expectancy. Even
data from governmental organizations in the United States such as the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA) Fact Book and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) shows the need for improvement in the fragmented health care
system currently present. This paper will analyze the health care systems between
Canada and the U.S.A. and recommended changes the U.S. could make for
improving health care for their citizens.
10. In the case of a panel discussion, the educational aims of the panel should also be stated
Assessing the Role of Commodities in a Balanced Portfolio for the
Individual Investor
Corey Eshelman
February 2015
Investing in commodities is often seen as a complex, inaccessible, and risky method for investing.
However, there is evidence to suggest that commodities can serve as a valuable inflation hedge in a
balanced portfolio and also provide an adequate return. This paper will strive to quantify both the long
and short-term value of commodities as an inflation hedge by finding the correlation between a variety of
historical commodity prices and inflation. Additionally, the research will attempt to find the correlation
between various commodity returns and other assets, such as the S&P 500 and bond returns, in order to
find relationships in price movements, an important consideration in building a balanced portfolio.
Commodities and the other assets will also by compared in the correlation in return movements relative to
GDP and inflation. The performance and risk levels of commodities and other assets will be measured and
compared in order to discern the attractiveness of each type of asset to an investor. Lastly, this paper will
discuss popular avenues for investing in commodities with the goal of discerning the most advisable
method for the typical individual investor.
32
Name: Paul J. Zbiek
Institution: King’s College
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 570-208-5980 Ext. 5751
Type of presentation: Oral presentation
Special requests: Computer
Title of Research: Purple Pennsylvania: Geography, Demography, and Political Diversity
in the Keystone State
Abstract:
Purple Pennsylvania: Geography, Demography, and Political Diversity in the Keystone
State
Although recent Presidential election results may classify Pennsylvania as a “blue state”,
the commonwealth is actually a very diverse region with regard to voting patterns and
political allegiance. The political landscape is, in part, the result of the physical and
human geography of the state. The location of Pennsylvania and its physical barriers
created different regional interests and thus divergent political affiliations. The human
composition of Pennsylvania is the product of large scale immigration and internal
migration which created a global culture within the commonwealth. This ethnic and racial
diversity also led to different political interests and loyalties. Thus, Pennsylvania is best
identified as a “purple” political state, based on a composite of the ethnic and regional
geographies of the state. The 2014 elections serve as an example of this. Democratic
gubernatorial candidate Tom Wolfe garnered a nearly ten percent win over Republican
incumbent Tom Corbett. However, Republicans gained eight seats in the State House of
Representatives and three seats in the State Senate and have a thirty-five and ten vote
majority in those respective chambers of the General Assembly. This paper examines the
origins of this diversity, the current status of geo-politics, and some projections of how
changing demographics may alter the future of the Pennsylvania political landscape.
33
Cardiovascular Disease Among Women Hengameh Hosseini, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Health Administration
Program Coordinator, Master of Health Administration Program Coordinator, Certificate Program in Long-term Care
School of Public Affairs Penn State University
777 West Harrisburg Pike Middletown, PA 17057
Phone: 717-948-6049
Fax: 717-948-6320 Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Stroke falls under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the number one killer of
Americans. CVD, including stroke and heart disease, takes about 267,000 women’s lives every year,
which is almost six times as many lives as the number of women who were killed by breast cancer
(2014). A health risk assessment of a population of women residing in Northeastern Pennsylvania
was conducted to provide an estimate of vulnerability to stroke on the basis of medical history,
genetic predisposition, and other lifestyle factors. Using the Health Belief model of Rosenstock,
Strecher, and Becker (1998) and the stage model of Prochaska, Diflemente, and Norcross (1992), a
health promotion plan was developed to address the needs of that population. An evaluation of risks
that can and cannot be modified was developed to help people understand the basic lifestyle
changes that could be made to prevent CVD, which includes stroke. An action plan was developed to
lower the risk of stroke among women based on their individual needs and to raise awareness
throughout the United States. Individuals should take the essential precautions for their personal
cases. This will substantially lower the risk of CVD, especially stroke, in women.
Keywords: Cardiovascular disease, stroke among women, risk factors, life style, health belief model
34
Name: Bill Ardoline; Paul J. Zbiek, Faculty Advisor
Institution: King’s College, Wilkes-Barre PA
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Phone: 570-762-5686 (cell); 570-208-5751 ext. 5751
Type of Presentation: PowerPoint/lecture
Special Requests: Computer
Title of Research: “African American Cultural Influences on the Game of Basketball”
Abstract:
“African American Cultural Influences on the Game of Basketball”
Ever since Dr. James Naismith first had his YMCA students toss a ball into a peach basket the game of
basketball has been played by countless cultures across the globe. But no culture has had as much
influence or investments into the game as that of the African American society. This research
presentation intends to demonstrate just how much impact African Americans have had on the growth
and development of the game over the course of an entire century. From musical and dance influences
of the Lindy Hop and Hip Hop to urban development and a “bad” attitude listeners will be able to
understand why and how for African Americans basketball is more than just a game. Also described
will be a group of trendsetters who revolutionized basketball at the college level as well as an
individual who emphatically “stomped” his mark onto the NBA and pop-culture scenes by embracing
their heritage.
35
1. Name of the presenter[s]
a. Suril Amin
b. Theodora Avramidis
c. Junaid Baloch
d. Juan Molina
2. In case of student presenter Name of Faculty Advisor
a. Dr. Hosseini
3. Institution[s] Name
a. Pennsylvania State University
4. Email address
5. Telephone
a. 717.623.8601
6. Type of presentation-[i.e. poster-viewing only, oral, exhibit, performance, panel]
7. Special requests-[i.e. technology including Internet access, PowerPoint, video, etc…]
8. Title of Research
a. Healthier Days
9. Abstract-not to exceed 200 words
a. HealthierDays.com is an online wellness organization, dedicated to health and
fitness; that provides resources to help transform people’s lives. Their mission
is to “empower and inspire you to live a healthier, more active life”. This web
portal helps its members create weekly exercise programs, track their progress,
provides guidance for healthy eating, access to healthy recipes as well as health
articles to keep members informed about various medical and health subjects.
The fitness tracking market has changed significantly since the launch of
HealthierDays. A number of competitors have emerged including
MyFitnessPal, SparkPeople, DailyBurn and Fitocracy. This has created the
need to overhaul HealthierDays, refocus, and re-strategize the website.
Through a new marketing campaign focused on college students, we hope to
increase the popularity and profitability of HealthierDays making it a
forerunner and leader in the online fitness tracking industry.
10. In the case of a panel discussion, the educational aims of the panel should also be
stated
36
Effect of the FASB convergence on GAAP
Peter Kmec
Abstract
United States’ businesses have always been guided by GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles). These principles have been established by FASB (Financial Accounting Standard Board).
However, there is a gap between the FASB principles and Internationally Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS). Since 2002, FASB and IASB have been working on eliminating differences between
these two set of standards. This paper presents the history behind both institutions. It shows
differences between these two standards. It describes the positive and negative impacts that this
convergence would have on businesses in US. Lastly, it will conclude the opinion and timeline of
implications for the FASB convergence to ISFR standards.
37
Terria Pettus
Dr. Bindu Vyas
IB 491 Special Topics in International Business
25 February 2015
Are Sweatshops a Logical Consequence of Manufacturing in the Developing World?
Abstract
In today’s global economy, products are produced all over world and are then
exported to their destinations, whether its cars from Japan, electronics from China, or clothing
from Bangladesh. Prior to globalization, many of the core business processes of large
corporations like manufacturing were performed domestically. However, due to the growing
interconnectedness and the rise in outsourcing, manufacturing moved offshore to developing
countries where labor is cheaper and workers docile. Despite enabling businesses to lower
costs and providing jobs for struggling economies abroad, manufacturing in the developing
world has led to the growth of sweatshops. Although sweatshops seem to be a logical
consequence of manufacturing in the developing world, firms must take ethical responsibility
for the inhumane treatment of workers, the unsafe working conditions, the extremely low pay,
and the tragedies that have ensued which cannot continue.
38
PROPOSAL FOR PAPER PRESENTATION
Authors
Natalie Richard, RN, BSN [email protected] 717.303.8069
David Simmons, D.Min. [email protected] 717.557.8845
Faculty Adviser: Hengameh Hosseini, Ph.D.
Penn State University - Harrisburg
TITLE:
United Arab Emirates:
A Health Care System Comparative Analysis
Abstract
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the richest countries in the world, compared with the
United States. The health system of the UAE is a model worth observing and may hold
answers to how a future-state of healthcare could look in the US. The UAE is worth admiring
for its relatively low cost in providing healthcare outcomes similar to that of the US.
Interestingly, the UAE shares many of the same economic attitudes as the US, as both value
the innovative power of the private sector. Hence, the UAE has been moving away from
government provided healthcare to a government regulated healthcare system delivered by the
private sector. This paper outlines the current state of the UAE, describes the various health
authorities that govern the emirates, and evaluates the ways the UAE could serve as a
healthcare system model for the US. Our conclusion is that the UAE’s growing success stands
to inform the US about how effective healthcare regulation can control costs and increase
quality without hindering the entrepreneurial spirit vital to the US healthcare system.
39
Christina Varvaglione
Abstract
Topic : A comparative study of Human Resource Management in Italy vs. The United States of
America.
Thesis: This study will examine Human resource management in the USA and Italy. Based on the
evaluation it will compare and contrast the human resource policies using Hofstede’s cultural
dimension and how cultural dimension affects human resource management.
Opening and Concluding Paragraph: This is paper will examine the human Resources management
practices in Italy and USA and evaluate how cultural norms, working conditions and managerial
skills all have an impact on the HRM policies.
40
Name of the presenter: Valerie K. Kepner
Institution’s Name: King’s College
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: 570-208-5900 x5256
Type of presentation: Oral presentation
Special requests: PowerPoint
Title of Research: Evangelii Gaudium, Capitalism, and Social Provisioning
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium has generated much needed
reflection on the role of an economic system in the meeting of humanity’s wants and needs.
Too, Evangelii Gaudium highlights the difference between wants and needs and the negative
consequences of the “need” to consume “wanted” goods and services. Pope Francis points to
the individualism that is central to capitalism. However, this need not be the case, and if one
were to truly examine the functioning economic system in the U.S., its resemblance to
capitalism begins and ends with a partial reliance on markets and prices and a focus on the
individual. Beginning with the widely-accepted definition of economics, a discussion of the
value judgments in the mainstream definition will follow and then lead to a discussion of
alternative definitions proposed by various heterodox economists. Following will be a
discussion of the natural tendency for a capitalist economic system to reward those who
subscribe to the primacy of the individual, with the system further encouraging ever-
increasing consumption. This is not inevitable, however. The paper will conclude with a
discussion of the possibility of utilizing a capitalist economic system to meet both the needs
of the individual as well as society.
41
Names of the presenters:
Valerie K. Kepner – Faculty Advisor
Richard Bartumioli – Student Presenter
Ryan Boyle – Student Presenter
Alexandra Evangelista – Student Presenter
Jessica Lange – Student Presenter
Nicole Lawler – Student Presenter
Sean Moran – Student Presenter
Pablo Nascimento – Student Presenter
William Pokorny – Student Presenter
Seda Taskaya – Student Presenter
Institution’s Name: King’s College
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: 570-208-5900 x5256
Type of presentation: Poster
Title of Research: Service-Learning in Public Economics
Using posters, students will summarize as well as analyze their service-learning experiences
completed as part of the requirements for successful completion of their Public Economics
course. In the classroom, students will engage in discussion and activities in order to
understand the economic activities of government including taxation and government
spending. However, because these objectives are generally theoretical in nature, students will
be required to complete service-learning hours in order to better understand the complex day-
to-day application of tax policy. All students will volunteer with CEO (Commission on
Economic Opportunity) and specifically assist with its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance) program. The VITA program “offers free tax help to people who generally make
$53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers
who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns” (http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-
Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers).
42
Laura Ortiz
GLC
Topic: The Effects of Brain Drain on Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa.
Abstract
Brain Drain, also known as Human Capital Flight, is defined as the migration of skilled professionals
out of their home country. This paper looks at different aspects of Brain Drain. The paper begins by
introducing the concept of Brain Drain while explaining its impacts on nations that are most affected
by this phenomenon. The second part of this paper will cover the effects of Brain Drain, especially in
terms of developing and developed economies in Africa and how different solutions to this problem
have been taken by these countries. The final part will look at possible solutions to this phenomenon
and how they can be applied to these countries. Most importantly through the analysis statistics are
used to measure the effects that Brain Drain has in the growth and development of these countries.
This analysis is done to determine the effects of Brain Drain on three African countries, which are
Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa.
43
Global Landscapes Conference 2015
King's College, Wilkes-Barre
International Business Track
Paper Topic, Presenter, and Abstract:
A Comparative Analysis of Economic Theories on Poverty Alleviation: Jagdish Bhagwati vs. Amartya
Sen by Jennifer Jean-Jacques
(Email: [email protected])
Abstract:
Many developing countries have ineffective policies and economic structures that contribute to their
low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and low Human Development Indexes. There are two Economists
with vastly differing models on how to alleviate poverty and they are Jagdish Bhagwati and Amartya
Sen. Some developing countries follow the economic theory that Jagdish Bhagwati suggested, which
is that free trade is good for everyone and it is through capitalism developing countries’ economies
will grow and flourish. Other countries follow the proposed strategy to combat poverty by Amartya
Sen who argued that it is more important to focus on the development indicators in order to increase
GDP. This paper will take a look at several countries and agencies that have adopted either the
Bhagwati or the Sen theory of poverty reduction and this paper will determine which one appears to
work better for the developing world. GDP and levels of poverty as well as the levels of literacy,
infrastructure, health care, education and corruption will be used as measures to assess the efficacy
of their theories.
44
Shareese Wagner
IB 491: Global Landscape Conference 2015
Feb. 24, 2015
Title: Foreign Aid – Does aid help or hinder economic development? An in depth study of objectives
and outcome of US aid to Pakistan
Last year the United States spent approximately $17,332, 898,247 on foreign aid. For the fiscal year
of 2015 the US has already planned to spend over $35 billion. The goal of foreign aid, as defined by
the US foreign assistance website, is “respond to global needs, assist people overseas struggling to
build a better life, and make the world safer”. With that said is the US achieving its objective? Has
each country seen an increase in happiness and a better quality of life or is there still work to be
done? Also how can a country use aid and not become dependent on it? The problem with US aid is
it is not used effectively. Pakistan is a great example on how aid can impact a nation’s economic
development. This study will reexamine a previous study done on Pakistan and the aid received from
the US from years 1976-2006 in 2007, update the information compare the findings and determine if
foreign aid can contribute to a nation’s economic development. This study will also examine how
those receiving aid feel about the policy and how aid can be used in other productive manners.
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Inward Foreign Direct Investment in Pennsylvania Samuel Levandoski
Faculty Advisor – Dr. Bindu J. Vyas
This paper will examine the foreign direct investment that in the state of Pennsylvania over
the past 20 years. With recent changes in the global market and the need for firms to become global
to remain successful and prosper, this paper will allow residents to see trends in the recent history
and give an idea of how it will grow in the future. By comparing the frequency in location and
business sector we can compare Pennsylvania to other states to determine how to best capture the
most FDI, as well as learning how adaptation must occur to continue financial stability within the
government. In addition to the data, we will compare prior and post-recession to see what we can
expect in the upcoming years.
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Proposals for GLC 2015
Presenter: Nicole Lawler
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Margarita Rose
King’s College, Department of Economics
nicolelawler @kings.edu; [email protected]
484.274.7787; 570.208.5900 x5778
Though the poster format is preferred, this research could be shared through an oral
presentation, if that suits the organizers’ needs.
Technology needs: computer with internet and PowerPoint capabilities
Working Title: Tourism, Property Rights, and Women’s Empowerment in Ecuador and Nepal
Abstract
Nepal and Ecuador, two countries located on opposite corners of the world, both have
evolving economies that commonly rely on tourism for growth and development. However,
the tourism industry is far more complex than meets the eye, especially with natural wonders
such as the Himalayas and the Galapagos Islands paving the way for each country.
Additionally, without property rights for local citizens, especially women, many of the
economic benefits from the tourism industry leak out of each country and into the hands of
foreign investors. Hence, property rights are essential to both the Nepalese and Ecuadorian
economies if current economic growth, centered in the tourism industry, is going to correlate
to economic development and the empowerment of women.
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WHO IS WINNING THE COLA WARS:
HEDGE FUNDS OR FAIRLIFE?
Coca-Cola has launched “2020 Vision” and PepsiCo has launched a
defense of diversification. Both have drinks that can make you fat
and rot your teeth. Who cares about health?
Come. Listen. Find out.
Bernard C. Rudegeair
Assistant Technical Professor
King’s College
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Sean Moran
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Margarita Rose
King’s College
610.563.5822
Short Oral Presentation
Technology Requests: PowerPoint
Title: Life After the Dreaded G-Word…Graduation
ABSTRACT: We cannot stay in school forever; eventually we students find ourselves walking across
that stage, being handed a diploma and moving on into the real world! The question is though: how
stressed about that transition will we be? There is the stress of getting into and getting through
graduate school, or perhaps we will worry about finding a full-time job. Either way, anxiety is part of
life post-graduation for most students. How can that anxiety be reduced? What can we do now to
lessen that anxiety later on? Using the data set from The Institute for Public Policy and Economic
Development’s recent survey titled “Post-Graduation Plans,” I have set out to create an econometric
regression model trying to determine what elements of our college education helps to diminish
anxiety about our post-graduation plans as well as how much these elements affect our anxiety.
Additionally, I will build another regression model in an attempt to see which elements of our
education could also help contribute to students staying to work in Northeastern Pennsylvania after
graduation.
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The Race for Global Advantage: A Comparative Study for Missions to Mars
Drew Groblewski
The topic for research is The Race for Global Advantage: A Comparative Study for
Missions to Mars. The history of missions taken to Mars by various countries around the
world will be discussed. The costs that went into the funding of these missions, and which
countries were able to do it the cheapest compared to the most expensive and the knowledge
that was gained due to the expense. The objective of each mission that went to Mars and what
they had planned and whether or not they were able to follow through and get the information
surrounding their objective. The success rates of each mission taken to Mars. Which
missions taken by certain countries that were successful and the ones that were not. We
perceive that all missions use roughly around the same costs when going to Mars, but in
actuality this is not true. Examination of the different costs surrounding these expeditions that
were taken to Mars to see if the costs are solely on the trip or if they are also based on tools to
expand our knowledge to further understand the planet.
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A Comparative Analysis of How Corruption Effects Development and FDI in the Caribbean Community
Kimberly Zurinski
Abstract:
The topic for discussion is the relationship between corruption and development
with the members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Jamaica in particular, and
comparing the most corrupt countries with the countries that have the highest economic
standings. Showing this comparison, it will prove that corruption does have an effect on
development and foreign direct investment confidence levels. There will be data from
rankings like the corruption index ranking, real FDI, and FDI confidence level ranking. This
data will help show how corruption creates an unattractive environment for business
opportunities, which then effects the development of those countries. There will also be
specific examples of corrupt actions displayed. Finally, there will be comparative rankings
through-out the years and development levels provided in a data table to prove that
corruption has a negative effect on economic development for countries.
The entire paper will begin by explaining what corruption is and give specific
examples of corrupt actions. Then the paper will go into a comparison of highly corrupt
members of CARICOM like Guyana and Jamaica, and less corrupt countries like Barbados and
the Bahamas, and compare their economic environments.
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Sustainability in Motion
The Global Efforts of the Leading Automobile Manufactures in Building a Cleaner Automobile
Davide Fanelli
Sustainability is a very broad term that is easily thrown around to define different things in
today’s world. In this instance, sustainability is referring to U.S. auto companies being able to use
better processes to build cars in an effort to keep energy and natural resource use to a minimum,
and also to construct vehicles that treat our planet better, with reduced fuel consumption and CO2
emissions. There is a human element to this as well, as the sourcing of steel and other important
materials for the construction of vehicles (along with the assembly of them) are areas that must also
be visited for renewed sustainability goals. Herein these elements of the industry will be discussed,
and the success of their efforts debated.
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Christopher Young
Abstract:
A comparative analysis of minimum wage and growth
With only seven countries in the would having no minimum wage, political
forces look toward increasing minimum wages across the globe. However, despite
only seven countries having no minimum wage, many economists promote lowering
the minimum wage in the rest of the world, seeing it as a detriment to growth. A new
study by the economic policy institute in the U.S. showed that raising the minimum
wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016 would increase wages by $35 billion, and the
resulting increase in consumer spending would mean a GDP boost of $22.1 billion,
which would support about 85,000 new jobs, further adding to the production and
consumption of goods and services in the country. Opponents to an increase in the
minimum wage say that it would hinder economic growth during this period after the
great recession, but according to five different studies, in the U.S., increasing the
minimum wage during these periods does not negatively affect job growth. Gains
made by an increased consumer demand outweigh the costs of slightly increasing
the base wage. In this paper I will compare historical effects on gross domestic
product, consumer price index, foreign direct investment, and employment rates of
various countries such as the United States.
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Proposal for GLC 2015
Presenters: Sandra Loeb and Margarita Rose
King’s College
[email protected]; [email protected]
570.208.5900 x5695; 570.208.5900 x5778
Paper presentation format is preferred.
Technology needs: computer with internet and PowerPoint capabilities
Microloans—a Tool in the Struggle
Abstract
Africa is home to people living in some of the greatest poverty in the world. For decades
governmental assistance has been seen as a way to help those living in such poverty by providing
food and money. Often this assistance does not find its way to those who are actually in need. One
way assistance is currently being provided is through microloans. These microloans are given to
those in greatest need as a means of helping individuals, usually women, develop a small, some
might say ‘micro’, business.
In this session two African microloan program models will be presented. The first comes from
Uganda, where a long tradition of informal Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) has been joined
by a more formalized microfinance system. Case studies will include a SACCO organized at Holy
Cross Lakeview Senior Secondary School to help supplement the relatively low wages of dedicated
secondary school teachers, along with an overview of FINCA’s widespread network of microfinance
institutions across Uganda.
The second model is one developed as a means to support the entire family group of children, often
orphans being supported by extended family members, with HIV. This microloan program was begun
by Power of Love (POL) in Lusaka, Zambia. The administrators of POL began the charity to help
children who were impacted by the AIDS epidemic in Africa, in particular those orphaned as a result
of AIDS infected parents and who were themselves infected by HIV. Often these children were
absorbed into families of relatives, in particular grannies, who lacked the finances to provide
adequate care. POL administrators noticed that the families often could not afford to keep children
in their program and decided to try to help the entire family unit by assisting the caregivers through
the provision of microloans which could be used to start businesses which would help them provide
support to the entire family unit.
Global Landscapes Conference 2015
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Matthew Sowcik, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies
Director of Leadership Education
Department of Ent. & Leadership Studies
Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
570-408-4718
Catherine Hughes
Graduate Assistant
Department of Ent. & Leadership Studies
Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
570408-2711
Emily Kneeram
Student
Department of Ent. & Leadership Studies
Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
Evan Miller
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Student
Department of Ent. & Leadership Studies
Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
Giuliana Ayers
Student
Department of Ent. & Leadership Studies
Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
Megan Roselli
Student
Department of Ent. & Leadership Studies
Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
Adam Wychowanec
Student
Department of Ent. & Leadership Studies
Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
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Session type: Presentation Style - research.
Title: Humility, Overconfidence and Leadership: A cross cultural exploration
Set Up Needs: PowerPoint
One construct that has had an impact on leaders, teams, and organizations is humility.
Although humility has received very little attention in the social science research, the
construct has gained more attention lately in Positive Organizational Psychology and the
study of leadership. Collins (2001), in his book Good to Great, found that leaders in the most
enduring successful companies demonstrated a blend of determination and personal humility.
These “Level 5” leaders, as he called them, were better able to entertain different
perspectives, manage others emotions, and connect back to the organizational goals than those
who had low levels of humility. Furthermore, recent research suggests that humility predicts
prosocial behaviors such as generosity (Exline & Hill, 2012; LaBouff, Rowatt, Johnson,
Tsang, & Willerton, 2012) self-esteem (Exline & Geyer, 2004), better performance on the job
(Exline, 2012) and forgiveness (Powers Nam, Rowatt, & Hill, 2007).
This presentation will discuss the role humility and overconfidence play in leadership.
More specifically, the survey research presented in this session will discuss individual
perceptions of humility, overconfidence, and leadership across four different countries
(United States (n=1000), Germany (n=500), Japan (n=500), and China (n=500)) and varying
demographics, which will provide a point of comparison across different cultures and
demographics. The first part of the presentation will provide findings on the level of
overconfidence individuals have in different cultures. Previous research on this topic has
found that participants have an overconfidence in their perception of themselves in areas such
as job performance, ethical behavior, relationship building, and intelligence. The research in
the presentation will addresses some of the same areas covered in previous research, however,
from a global perspective. In addition to the areas assessed in previous research (job
performance, ethical behavior, relationship building, and intelligence) the current study also
explores an individual’s perception of themselves in areas of leadership, prejudice and
humility.
The second part of the presentation will discuss the perceived value humility adds to
different social and professional roles. The research that will be carried out in January 2015
will add to the research conducted by Exline and Geyer (2004), who found that when they
asked participants to imagine humble people occupying various social roles, the participants
regarded humility as less of a strength in leaders than in the other social roles. If the findings
from this study confirm Exline and Geyer’s findings, this would provide tremendous insight
into some of the barriers that may surface when including humility in leadership education
programs. Finally, the presentation will discuss different definition of the term humility from
participants in the four different countries. This presentation provides a wonderful opportunity
to gain insight into perceptions of the word “humility” between and amongst different cultures
and demographics. As we begin to better understand the significant impact humility has on
effective leadership, having a better understanding of how humility is defined may lead to less
ambiguity around the term. One consequence of providing clarity around the term “humility”
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is that it would make it easier to incorporate humility into leadership education programs both
in the United States and across the globe.
References:
Collins, J. C. (2001). Good to great: Why some companies make the leap... and others don't.
Random House.
Exline, J. J. (2012). Humility and the Ability to Receive from Others. Journal of Psychology
& Christianity, 31(1).
Exline, J. J., & Geyer, A. L. (2004). Perceptions of humility: A preliminary study. Self and
Identity, 3(2), 95-114.
Exline, J. J., & Hill, P. C. (2012). Humility: A consistent and robust predictor of generosity.
The Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(3), 208-218.
LaBouff, J. P., Rowatt, W. C., Johnson, M. K., Tsang, J. A., & Willerton, G. M. (2012).
Humble persons are more helpful than less humble persons: Evidence from three studies. The
Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(1), 16-29.
Powers, C., Nam, R. K., Rowatt, W. C., & Hill, P. C. (2007). Associations between humility,
spiritual transcendence, and forgiveness. Research in the social scientific study of religion, 18,
75.
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Name of the presenter[s]: Angela Cazonie, Bridget McGowan
2. In case of student presenter Name of Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bindu Vyas, Ph.D.
3. Institution[s] Name: King’s College
4. Email address: [email protected]
5. Telephone: 570-704-6357
6. Type of presentation- Poster
7. Special requests- None
8. Title of Research- International Business Country Report: Brazil
9. Abstract-not to exceed 200 word
Experts state that international clients are attracted to Brazil because of its stable
political and economic environment. However, they face higher levels of bureaucracy, taxes,
crimes, and corruption in these markets rather than in their home markets. Many of the
companies that come to Brazil do so because the business environment is much more familiar
than the other BRIC countries. It is also a more stable public and private sector and a better-
proven legal framework than other BRIC countries. There are complex tax rules, corruption,
and a slow legal process. The levels of bureaucracy and the lack of transparency of rules make
Brazil a difficult country to want to do business in. There are higher costs of labor in Brazil
also and the tax system holds many layers. This poster will survey the political, economic,
legal, cultural, trade, and monetary environment of Brazil.
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International Expansion and Management of Operations Abroad Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bindu Vyas King’s College Poster Session Innospark, Lithuania Product: educational toys for children Challenges: interested in new market expansion, new product features Nicole Aiello, Christina Varvaglione, Conor Lydon, Mitch Bialy, Moria Swartz, Samantha Raffaele Pantofola d’Oro, Italy Product: Shoes, including kid’s soccer shoes Challenges: Design ideas, of particular interest technological solutions using Near Field Communication technology, and new market expansion plan for kids’ soccer shoes Angelina Collotty, Louis Oley, Rachel Stantis, Scott Pickets, John Clawson, Jonathan Alfieri Mobius SLIP, USA Product: Education enhancement technologies, peer-to-peer evaluation systems Challenge: New market expansion, new product features and funcionality Kevin Mulvihill, Liam Kelly, Racheal Simon, Robert Kuzynski, Sean Gabel, Theressa Eckhart Gramedia, Indonesia Products: Indonesia’s largest media conglomerate, publishing Challenge: Interested in ideas for new products to replace shrinking publishing business, new market expansion Anthony Belevino, Robyn Klingerman, Alex Vitale Daffodils Games and Publishing, Ghana Product: Card and board games Challenge: New market expansion plan; ideas for new board/card games and new features for existing products Terria Pettis, Dominic Malacari, Dylan Kelly, Michael Sweeney Saccona, India Product: 5-D gaming machines Challenge: interested in expanding into new markets, new product features Connor Lyons, Michael Krieger, Nirvana Chand, Troy Davis BFSI, India Product: EGALITE, a multi-channel banking solution for banks and micro-financing institutions Challenge: New market expansion plan, new product features Michael Smart
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Storm Drain Management in Urban Areas – Using GIS to Model Remediation
Kathleen Searfoss
Senior GIS Analyst
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Johnstown, PA
Abstract
Storm drain management affects the water which flows through the tributaries and streams
into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. The ramifications of ill-planned storm drainage, especially
in highly populated or growing areas, can result in devastating pollution to our water. In this
presentation we will explore the Lackawanna River valley and its Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer Systems ( MS4). We will present green space and rain garden plans and how their use
remediates flooding and pollution. We will explore examples of green space as storm water
management in Philadelphia. The presentation will show how GIS is used in fee development
using GIS models of impervious surfaces in relation to pervious or porous surfaces in building
projects and private developments. The presentation will demonstrate that the result of these
types of efforts is a better environment on land as well as in surface water, and a more vibrant
economy for those municipalities that employ them.
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2. Dr. Jayne Klenner
Decision making with GIS
Today's global business relies on big data to make good decisions. Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) helps to make decisions based on these large data sets and set in the context of
geographic space through visualization of the data on recognizable maps. The ability to look
at a problem with the data that is easy to understand helps businesses to become more
efficient and streamlines communication of ideas to stakeholders. This paper looks at several
areas where decisions are made using big data and where we can find some of these data
sources. Examples of ESRI Story Maps will also be demonstrated.
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3. Mr. William Christian and Dr. Jayne Klenner
The Dorthy Day Catholic Worker Farm and Dashboard Technology:the technology of food
security.
Students in the CIS 271 class spent a semester learning about food security online with
Catholic Relief Services and the Dorthy Day Catholic Worker Farm at Harveys Lake.
Students learned about food security through videos and blogging with students from other
Catholic colleges around the country and then applied that knowledge along with their skills
at Excel to build a dashboard decision making tool to help the farm understand how to better
manage crops and animals.
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Managerial Approach to Overcome Barriers to Quality in HealthCare Providers
Julia CaldWell MD, Penn State Hershey, Penn State Harrisburg
Hengameh Hosseini, PhD, Penn State University-Harrisburg
Managerial Approach to Overcome Barriers to Quality in Healthcare Providers
Introduction: Quality measures are utilized with the expectation that healthcare providers can
implement actions to improve or maintain a measurable level of quality care. (1-4) Insight into what
precludes or diminishes quality in healthcare is lacking. Individual providers can provide insight as to
the barriers they perceive in providing quality care. The purpose of this study is to better define
healthcare providers’ perceived barriers to providing quality care. For this study we focused on
anesthesia providers at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The goal of this study, is to
better understand what providers see as barriers to quality. We think that this information can be
used to implement change and improve care.
Methodology: We conducted a survey consisting of demographical information and a series of
questions to define and weigh an individual provider’s perceived barriers to quality. Participants
were given the opportunity to define additional barriers, explain their responses, and offer ideas for
improvement.
Results: In this observational pilot study, 52 participants’ responses were analyzed overall and as
demographic subgroups. The most cited barriers were “I do not know how the quality measures are
measured” (61%) and “I do not have a summary of quality measures” (54%). Senior providers (>2
years’ experience) were more likely (23% vs. 10%) to feel time pressure than junior providers (1-2
years). More experienced (practice or managerial) providers were less likely to perceive healthcare
processes as barriers compared to providers with less experience. Our recommendations would be to
institute more educational opportunities, increase practice advisories to improve knowledge of
recommendations, and increase managerial contribution and involvement.
Conclusions: In our study group of anesthesia providers, a major barrier to quality is provider’s
knowledge of what the measures are and how they are measured. This barrier to quality care can be
addressed by instituting an educational program for providers about the quality measures. Another
barrier to quality highly reported by senior providers was time restraints. Dedicating protected time
to addressing quality measures may change this as a barrier to quality. Those with more practice and
managerial experience likely have more involvement in creation and implementation of healthcare
processes which may be the reason they were less likely to perceive this as a barrier. This study
provided some insight into provider perceived barriers to quality; we think that further study into
specifics of these barriers could be used to remove these barriers and provide more quality based
care at our institution. By providing insight into methods to improve management and leadership
involvement at this key venture will likely improve patient care as well as employee satisfaction.
References
1. Morganti, et al. Measuring success for health care quality improvement interventions.
Medical Care. 2012;50:1086–1092.
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2. Kohn LT, Corrigan JM, Donaldson MS. (Institute of medicine) To err is human: building a safer
health system. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000.
3. Altman DE, Clancy C, Blendon RJ. Improving patient safety—five years after the IOM report.
N Engl J Med. 2004; 3512041–43.
4. Leape LL, Berwick DM. Five years after “to err is human”: what have we learned? JAMA.
2005: 2932384–90.
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Presenters: Richard Bartumioli, and Pablo Nascimento
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Margarita Rose
King’s College
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
570.208.5900 x5778
The oral presentation format is preferred.
Technology needs: computer with internet and PowerPoint capabilities
Working Title: A Macroeconomic Model for Greece
Abstract
Assuming the roles of economic advisors to the head of government, students will give
updates on macroeconomic conditions in Greece in the last several months and offer policy
recommendations based upon a macroeconomic model they constructed from real data.
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Presenters: Madeline Griffin, Mark Henry, and K.C. Wanamaker
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Margarita Rose
King’s College
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
570.208.5900 x5778
The oral presentation format is preferred.
Technology needs: computer with internet and PowerPoint capabilities
Working Title: A Macroeconomic Model for Ireland
Abstract
Assuming the roles of economic advisors to the head of government, students will give
updates on macroeconomic conditions in Ireland in the last several months and offer policy
recommendations based upon a macroeconomic model they constructed from real data.
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Presenters: Savannah Jablon, Conor Lydon, and Christopher Theodorou
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Margarita Rose
King’s College
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
570.208.5900 x5778
The oral presentation format is preferred.
Technology needs: computer with internet and PowerPoint capabilities
Working Title: A Macroeconomic Model for Germany
Abstract
Assuming the roles of economic advisors to the head of government, students will give
updates on macroeconomic conditions in Germany in the last several months and offer policy
recommendations based upon a macroeconomic model they constructed from real data.
2015